Jo Ann Edwards

Jo Ann Edwards, 95, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

She was born April 24, 1931, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of George and Bertha Jansen. She graduated from Atchison High School.

Jo married Ken Edwards on April 2, 1950 in Atchison. He preceded her in death on September 2, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Clinton Jansen and Warren Jansen; sisters, Dorothy Stanley and Betty Hamm; and her oldest son, Craig Edwards. She is survived by daughter, Jill (Bill) Wildprett of Gig Harbor, Washington; son, Jeff (Sheryl) Edwards of Topeka; daughter-in-law, Lydia Edwards of Richmond, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

Jo enjoyed square dancing, country music, cooking, baking, gardening, camping, boating, and traveling. She was quite the people person, always making friends. She was strong in her faith, a lover of life and quick with a story to tell. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Grace Point Church, 5400 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.

To share a memory of Jo or leave a special message for her family, visit the guestbook below.